Catch Us If You Can

The Dave Clark Five were a great but undervalued British band, says Gary Howman

The recent induction of the Dave Clark Five into the US Rock’n’Roll Hall Of Fame demonstrated how the group is more valued abroad than in their homeland. Although they enjoyed commercial success throughout the 60s in Britain, their chart career was uneven, their concert appearances few and their legacy overlooked.

It took the untimely death of singer Mike Smith in February to bring their name back into the spotlight and remind everyone of their importance and quality. Overseas it was always a different story, as they retained a loyal following sustained by internet sites, collectors and high profile fans. In America, their reputation is especially high and their songs still feature on the radio, TV adverts and in occasional movies (Garfield 2, anyone?). Tom Hanks enthusiastically introduced them at the Hall Of Fame induction ceremony and Bruce Springsteen has often referred to their impact on him.

In the USA they enjoyed 17 Top 40 hits in just over two years, made six coast to coast tours and appeared a record 18 times on the top-rated Ed Sullivan TV show. In 1964, they were the main rivals to The Beatles, as the Stones, Herman etc took some time to shape up as contenders. It was estimated that through 1964 and 1965 The Dave Clark Five were …

by Gary Howman
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